When Jordan Emanuel joined the cast of Bravo TV’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, she was unsure about sharing her battle with alopecia areata. However, she felt compelled to do so by a higher power. “When I went on Summer House, I didn’t know if I was going to talk about it,” she admits. “But it felt like The Universe was telling me I had no choice but to share my story. And I’m grateful for that, because every day, I receive messages from people thanking me for making them feel seen.”
Research indicates that almost half of Black women experience hair loss. Emanuel’s own journey began when she developed bald spots after a hair relaxing treatment at 20. She decided to stop using relaxers, and six months later her hair started growing back. However, a relaxer she had to get for a job caused severe burns and irreversible hair loss, leading to a diagnosis of alopecia areata.
Despite this diagnosis, Emanuel has embraced vulnerability and used her platform to raise awareness about alopecia. She has turned her struggle into her superpower, dedicating herself to philanthropic efforts to spread awareness about the condition.
In an interview, Emanuel revealed that alopecia runs in her family, with her aunt and great aunt also experiencing autoimmune diseases. She discussed her struggles with the treatment of Black beauty in the entertainment industry, recounting instances of hair, makeup, and styling mishaps throughout her career.
Emanuel highlighted a positive experience where her hair was styled professionally for a Playboy shoot, allowing her to focus on her work without worrying about her appearance. She emphasized the importance of looking good to feel good, especially after experiencing significant hair loss.
Reflecting on the shock of losing her hair and the ongoing process of acceptance, Emanuel shared her journey of adjusting to her new appearance, including dealing with thin, gray hair growth and the use of wigs and styling products to feel presentable. She expressed gratitude for the little hair she has left and the lessons she’s learned from her experience with alopecia.
